Building a Computer
 

Just wanted some opinions.

Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q9400 - Retail

GIGABYTE GA-EG41MF-S2H LGA 775 Intel G41 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

EVGA 512-P3-N975-AR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

HITACHI Deskstar P7K500 HDP725050GLA360 (0A35415) 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH22NS30 - OEM

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Antec Signature SG850 850W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail

Transcend 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model JM4GDDR2-8K - Retail

Saving money is a good thing. The current total is 928.91. The only question I have right off the bat is, is that PSU overkill? I can't figure out how to tell what the requirements are for the different components. General criticism (constructive, of course) is also very much welcomed.

Edit: Here's a link to the Newegg wish list. Also, the computer will be used for gaming (but not of the hardcore variety).

I have that processor and I reccomend it thoroughly. It's got some serious kick to it. you can even take a step down on it, and still play most everything.

Typically, you can't go wrong with power supply having a good kick to it. 700w is usually more then sufficient.

Remember that Power supply tends to be the first thing to break, so a good one is an excellent choice.

Do AMD processors work with Intel motherboards? If so, you might want to check out this.

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Black Edition Processor

It gets good ratings and reviews and doesn't seem much more expensive than the processor you chose already.

Nope. Different sockets.

I'd suggest not getting a Hitachi drive. From what I've heard, they're prone to failure. Seagate is a much better brand.

Edit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148373

^ This should be enough to make you drool. This particular model has a few issues, but overall, chances are good you'll like it.

Also, I've heard good things about Western Digital. Will dig up an example in a minute.

Edit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136284

Get this processor.

Intel Core i7 940 Nehalem 2.93GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor - Retail

It's double what you were planning on paying, but it's a bit faster!

Noncon, that's the wrong socket for his chosen motherboard.


Edit: To clarify, Nehalem requires LGA 1366, where he's in the market for an LGA 775.

Oh. You know what, I'm just gonna stop making recommendations now...

Yeah i7 is too expensive for me here. I say, "me", but this is really my girlfriend's computer. She insists on purchasing a "pretty" case. :(

Here's an updated list:

Replaced the hard drive with bluestarultor's first suggestion.

Replaced the PSU with this. Saved $100.

Replaced the case with this.

Current total is $813.91. Seem good?

Also, does anyone have a preferred brand of thermal paste? 'Cause I know nothing about it, and I don't want to fry her computer by using a bad brand.

Edit: Changed the hdd to this upon reading this article. New total is $793.91. This is great; we started with a prebuilt Dell as a model for what we wanted to end up with, and it was a quite hefty $1,200.

I have had a bad history with Coolmax and the like.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817256037
This one would be my preference.